St. Petersburg College newshttps://newsspc.wordpress.com
News from St. Petersburg CollegeFri, 09 Dec 2016 15:02:04 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.com/https://secure.gravatar.com/blavatar/3fc645c41620686f00ddbfed505a3a53?s=96&d=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.wp.com%2Fi%2Fbuttonw-com.pngSt. Petersburg College newshttps://newsspc.wordpress.com
St. Petersburg College marks 132nd commencement on Dec. 10https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/12/07/st-petersburg-college-marks-132nd-commencement-on-dec-10/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/12/07/st-petersburg-college-marks-132nd-commencement-on-dec-10/#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 21:10:27 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7789]]>St. Petersburg College will hold its 132nd commencement ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 at First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks, 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Approximately 700 of the 1,778 fall graduates are expected to participate in the ceremonies.

The youngest graduate is 17 years old, the oldest is 68 years old and 17 graduates are over the age of 60. Sixty-seven percent of the graduates are female.

With this graduating class, St. Petersburg College will have awarded 158,775 degrees since the college – Florida’s first community college – was founded in 1927.

SPC will award:

800 Associate in Arts degrees

370 Associate in Science degrees

237 Bachelor of Applied Science degrees

314 Bachelor of Science degrees

85 certifications

Lindsey Velde and Samantha Spoto will address fellow graduates and guests during the 9:30 a.m. ceremony. Velde will earn an Associate in Arts and Spoto a Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology.

Jacob Thompson and Tara Hunter-Dexter will address fellow graduates and guests during the 1 p.m. ceremony. Thompson is a dual enrollment student who’s earning an Associate in Science in Digital Arts, Media and Interactive Web Design. Dexter will earn a Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Services Administration

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/12/07/st-petersburg-college-marks-132nd-commencement-on-dec-10/feed/0newsspcsummer16_spotlightfall-2016-graduation-infographicSPC’s Model UN brings home more awardshttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/11/16/spc-model-united-nations/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/11/16/spc-model-united-nations/#respondWed, 16 Nov 2016 16:22:01 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7782]]>The St. Petersburg College Model UN team participated in the Florida Model United Nations Conference in Gainesville on Oct. 21-22. The conference allowed for students at Florida colleges and universities to discuss global issues and propose solutions to those issues. All but one of the SPC team was new to Model United Nations. The group discussed issues such as:

Implementing International Year of the Pulses (IYP) 2016

Protecting Women and Minorities in Armed Conflict: The Case of Yazidis in Iraq

On Thursday, November 10, a team of 10 students will travel to Washington, DC, to participate in National Model United Nations Conference. The team will represent the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/11/16/spc-model-united-nations/feed/0newsspcfeatured-300x126SPC’s Southeastern Public Safety Institute receives perfect audithttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/11/16/spcs-southeastern-public-safety-institute-receives-perfect-audit/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/11/16/spcs-southeastern-public-safety-institute-receives-perfect-audit/#respondWed, 16 Nov 2016 15:05:54 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7779]]>SPC’s Southeastern Public Safety Institute received a perfect audit for the 2014-15 year. The results were released to the college this week. At the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission’s meeting on Thursday, Nov. 3, St. Petersburg College was named one of six training centers out of 40 that received a perfect audit in the preliminary report.

The audit reviews the trust fund monies allocated to the training center, as well as the compliance of all class and recruit files kept during this time. The commission thanked the center for its “cooperation and assistance.”

At this morning’s monthly Board of Trustees meeting, St. Petersburg College President Bill Law announced his resignation effective July 1, 2017.

“It’s been my pleasure to serve,” Law said.

In the coming weeks, the Board of Trustees will outline the process to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership. Faculty and staff were notified via email after the meeting.

“President Law has been instrumental in creating an environment at the College where student success is paramount,” said Board Chair Lauralee Westine. “While his leadership and friendship will be missed by our College community, our focus on student achievement will not waiver. We will be ever grateful for Dr. Law’s transformative dedication to St. Petersburg College.”

Law became St. Petersburg College’s sixth president on June 7, 2010. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from LeMoyne College and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Design and Management of Postsecondary Education from Florida State University.

Law previously served as president of Tallahassee (Fla.) Community College and Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Ill., and was the founding president of Montgomery College in suburban Houston. In his current and previous positions, Dr. Law has been well known as an advocate of economic and workforce development, student success and community outreach. He currently serves on multiple local, state and national boards.

His effort to increase student success has allowed him to work at state and national levels and has provided opportunities such as consulting with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Aspen Institute, providing expert testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives, and serving as a member of the Florida Task Force on Community College Baccalaureate Education. Dr. Law also serves as the Co-Chair of the SPC Strategic Issues Council, the core team for the Achieving the Dream Initiative.

Law was a vocal champion of the creation of the Douglas L. Jamerson, Jr. Midtown Center, which opened in St. Petersburg in August 2015 to high acclaim for its community focus and commitment to providing educational equity.

Under Law’s leadership and guidance, SPC was selected as one of only 30 community colleges in the nation to participate in the prestigious Pathways Project led by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). He also ushered in The College Experience, which was awarded the Chancellor’s Best Practices Award in 2014 and recognized as a Model of Excellence by University Business magazine in 2015 for its effectiveness in improving student success rates, particularly among First-Time-In-College (FTIC) students and especially FTIC minority males.

During his tenure at St. Petersburg College, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Eta Rho chapter, named him the 2012 Citizen of the Year. In 2013, the Chronicle of Higher Education featured him in a report that was part of a series called The Idea Makers: Ten Tech Innovators.

“We are a better college because you came here. I remember your interview, here on this campus and you promised us that you were going to get certain things done…and you’ve done that,” Gibbons said. “I appreciate you and all that you’ve done.”

In a letter he presented to Board Chair Westine, President Law said that his “six and one-half years here has been fulfilling and rewarding” and assured the Board he would do everything in his power “to facilitate the process of finding the next president.”

“I only have good feelings for the work we’ve accomplished,” Law said. “For all of us there’s a time to move on.”

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/11/15/spc-president-bill-law-announces-his-resignation/feed/0newsspcdr-law_preferred-photoSt. Petersburg College Recognized for Online Vocational Education Excellencehttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/11/03/st-petersburg-college-recognized-for-online-vocational-education-excellence/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/11/03/st-petersburg-college-recognized-for-online-vocational-education-excellence/#respondThu, 03 Nov 2016 15:21:10 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7769]]>St. Petersburg College has been recognized as one of the best online vocational trade schools in the nation by The Community for Accredited Online Schools (AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org). As a leading resource for higher education and college accreditation information, the site released its annual ranking for the 2016-2017 school year, honoring St. Petersburg College as the #6 Best Online Vocational Trade School in the Nation.

“We wanted to highlight schools like St. Petersburg College, who are striving for excellence in education,” said Doug Jones, CEO and Founder of the Community for Accredited Online Schools. “These colleges offer an exceptional educational experience, upholding rigorous accreditation standards and showing an overall commitment to maximizing student success.”

In order for universities to qualify for this ranking they must hold public or private not-for-profit status and carry institutional accreditation. Top schools are determined by using a value-based methodology that analyzes more than a dozen qualitative and quantitative data points.

“St. Petersburg College prides itself on providing excellent educational opportunities for students to advance in their professions or move to new careers,” said Dr. Anne Cooper, SPC Senior Vice President of Instruction and Academic Programs. “From accounting to Veterinary Technician, our students online have a clear path from academics to careers.”

For a complete list of online vocational trade schools for 2016-2017 and more information on the methodology used to rank each school, visit the following page:

Military Times has announced its Best for Vets: Colleges 2017 rankings. St. Petersburg College was ranked among the top 30 four-year schools. SPC ranked highest as a community college that offers four-year degrees.

The eighth annual rankings factor in the results of Military Times’ comprehensive school-by-school survey of veteran and military student offerings and rates of academic achievement.

As with all Best for Vets rankings, Best for Vets: Colleges 2017 is an editorially independent news project that evaluates the many factors that help make colleges and universities a good fit for service members, military veterans and their families. More than 500 colleges took part in this year’s detailed survey.

“We limit our list to encourage competition, and we genuinely hope this helps raise the bar for veterans on campus,” said Amanda Miller, editor of Best for Vets.

Military Times’ annual Best for Vets: Colleges survey asks colleges and universities to meticulously document a tremendous array of services, special rules, accommodations and financial incentives offered to students with military ties; and to describe many aspects of veteran culture on a campus. These institutions were evaluated in several categories, with university culture and academic outcomes bearing the most weight.

Military Times also factors in data from the Veterans Affairs and Defense departments, as well as three Education Department sources: the IPEDS Data Center, College Scorecard data and the Cohort Default Rate Database.

The rankings will be published online at MilitaryTimes.com, as well as ArmyTimes.com, NavyTimes.com, AirForceTimes.com and MarineCorpsTimes.com as of Nov. 1; and will appear in full in a special magazine issue of Military Times on newsstands in mid-November. The release of this year’s list also marks Military Times’ inaugural declaration of the month of November as Veterans Month. The independently owned media company is celebrating veterans beyond Veterans Day, with 30 days of veteran-focused coverage.

Military Times’ Best for Vets rankings include Colleges, Career & Technical Colleges, Business Schools, Franchises, Employers, Law Enforcement and Places to Live.

# # #

About Military Times

The Military Times digital platforms and print products are the trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families. The military community relies on Army Times, Marine Corps Times, Navy Times and Air Force Times for reporting on everything important to their lives, including: pay, benefits, finance, education, health care, recreational resources, retirement, promotions, product reviews, and entertainment. Military Times is published by Sightline Media Group. To learn more, visit www.militarytimes.com.

About Sightline Media Group

Sightline Media Group, formerly Gannett Government Media, was established in 1940 as Army Times Publishing Company, an independent publishing company reporting on military news and information. Since then, the company has expanded into defense and government news, and has launched or acquired more than 13 periodicals and extended its brand globally into the online and broadcasting arenas. For more information, visit www.sightlinemediagroup.com.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/11/02/military-times-announces-the-best-for-vets-colleges-2017/feed/0newsspc2017_bfv_collegesUSF Launched Enhanced Guaranteed Admission Program with Regional Florida Collegeshttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/10/31/usf-launched-enhanced-guaranteed-admission-program-with-regional-florida-colleges/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/10/31/usf-launched-enhanced-guaranteed-admission-program-with-regional-florida-colleges/#respondMon, 31 Oct 2016 20:23:23 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7761]]>The University of South Florida System and seven regional Florida colleges celebrated the launch of FUSE, a new guaranteed admission program that creates a seamless and timely degree path for students to earn an Associate degree before transferring to any of the USF System institutions for a Bachelor’s degree. The new program differs from existing Florida programs that guarantee admission to a State University System school in that FUSE offers guaranteed admission to the USF System school and degree program of the student’s choosing. With more than 40 students in the initial cohort, Hillsborough Community College and St. Petersburg College are piloting the program, while the College of Central Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, Polk State College, South Florida State College, and State College of Florida will be joining the program in the near future.

By synching courses and creating graduation pathways for select degrees, the participating institutions have ensured students will take the classes needed to seamlessly attain Associate and Bachelor’s degrees. Students who apply and are enrolled in the FUSE program are placed on an established graduation pathway/degree plan to ensure that courses taken apply to their Associate degree and successfully transfer towards a USF System school Bachelor’s degree. With academic advising provided from both institutions at their regional college, FUSE students will be ensured of the appropriate degree path, meeting all requirements, earning their Associate degree in a timely manner, and guaranteed admission to a USF System school.

Graduation pathway Bachelor’s degrees offered currently in the FUSE program include:

Additionally, to help ease the transition to USF, FUSE students will also be engaged in activities on their chosen USF System campus, including a specially designed orientation session at the outset of the program and ongoing general student involvement/social activities, while they are enrolled in their community colleges.

“After that first meeting with all those working on FUSE, I knew it was a program I needed to be in,” said David Martinez, Jr., a freshman at HCC and FUSE enrollee. “An advisor who knows my name will be helping me all the way through, priority registration, no wasted credits, access to USF student events—it was all too perfect to pass on.”

With climbing employer demand for employees with higher education, the FUSE program will help the Tampa Bay region and surrounding areas meet this need by producing more graduates with Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees.

“By 2020, 65 percent of Florida jobs will require a postsecondary degree or certificate, so we need to make sure students are getting the education and earning the degrees to fill those jobs,” said Laurie Meggesin, executive director, Florida College Access Network. “The FUSE program is another excellent step by USF in developing an employable workforce so critical to our state’s economy.”

Newly-released U.S. Census data shows that Florida has increased the percent of college-educated Floridians for the sixth year in a row with 39.9 % of working-age adults holding an associate’s degree or higher, but Florida still lags the national average of 40.9%.

“We are excited to offer students such a seamless transition from a regional Florida Community College System institution to USF,” said Ralph Wilcox, provost and senior vice president for the USF System. “FUSE students will come to us with their Associate’s degree, already familiar with an advisor, engaged in campus activities, and academically prepared for USF—I consider that a formula for Bachelor’s success! That’s a win for the student, USF, employers and the state of Florida.”

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/10/31/usf-launched-enhanced-guaranteed-admission-program-with-regional-florida-colleges/feed/0newsspcfuse-color3_usfspFamily Friendly Halloween Open House at SPC Oct. 28https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/10/21/family-friendly-halloween-open-house-at-spc-oct-28/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/10/21/family-friendly-halloween-open-house-at-spc-oct-28/#respondFri, 21 Oct 2016 19:42:52 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7757]]>Last year more than 250 brave souls experienced a spooky, ghoul time at St. Petersburg College Halloween Open House. This year’s third annual open house event is from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28 at SPC Allstate Campus, 3200 34th St. S., St. Petersburg.

Participants this year can expect a hauntingly good time. Each floor of the Allstate Center has Halloween activities for the entire family.

On the first floor, parents can bring their children for “safe” trick-or-treating. They’ll have the opportunity to trick-or-treat with a firefighter or police officer.

A haunted house will take place throughout the center’s entire second floor, featuring a jail cell, crime scene lab and courtroom!

Attendees will get to view the creative door decoration contest that takes place between students and staff.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about St. Petersburg College programs and local community vendors.

The entire family can experience first-hand exploratory activities within the STEM field. Industry employers, alongside SPC career advisors, will be available to answer questions. Learn about Pinellas County Schools K-12 STEM academies and SPC’s degree and certification programs.

In addition, the festival will feature:

Food and music

Carnival of Majors

STEM career showcase

STEM 4 Kids activities

SPC STEM faculty and advisors

Touch-a-Truck activities

Veterinary Technology Adopt-a-Pet

Drone demonstration

Raffle and door prizes

Rock climbing challenge

Campus tours

Early College Application fee waivers

For more information, please call 727-398-8225.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/10/20/fall-stem-festival-at-spc-saturday-nov-5/feed/0newsspccaptureISPS will host Art of Politics forum on Nov. 1https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/10/17/isps-will-host-art-of-politics-forum-on-nov-1/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/10/17/isps-will-host-art-of-politics-forum-on-nov-1/#respondMon, 17 Oct 2016 18:55:11 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7744]]>Art is a powerful medium of political expression – and has been since the beginnings of recorded history. But in a political arena saturated with terse, ephemeral electronic message, does art – especially public art in an urban environment – still have legitimacy in fostering civic consciousness and building social capital?

That is a question which a distinguished author and panel will attempt to answer in a forum at the Museum of Fine Arts, sponsored by the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions at St. Petersburg College. Titled Art of Politics: A Silent Message in a Tweeting World, the forum will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. It is co-sponsored by the Tampa Bay Times and WEDU Television. Admission is free, but advance registration is required.

Peter Kageyama, St. Petersburg author and community development consultant, will lead a discussion of the impact of art not just as a form of political expression but also as a statement about the urban landscape in which we live. He will be joined by local artist Derek Donnelly, who creates large scale murals with an alliance of artists and community leaders through Public Art Project Inc. Donnelly will create an original work during the program. Dr. Tara Newsom, associate professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences at St. Petersburg College, will moderate the program.

That art is a form of political expression cannot be denied. The earliest cave drawings are expressions about human supremacy over animals – or of one tribe’s dominance of another. Political art takes many forms – from dictators’ propaganda banners lining the streets to insurgents’ graffiti surreptitiously sprayed on outdoor walls to Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica, a most powerful anti-war painting. Certainly much of Salvador Dali’s work in St. Petersburg’s Dali Museum is infused with political meaning.

But in the 2016 political arena, dominated by tweets, texts and instagrams, does public art have the same impact it once did to generate public emotion and influence political opinion? The panel will join in discussing the impact of art not just as a form of political expression but also as a statement about the urban landscape in which we live.

Admission is free, but advance registration is required at solutions.spcollege.edu/

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/10/17/isps-will-host-art-of-politics-forum-on-nov-1/feed/0newsspcalex-heffner-headshotMusical instrument drive for Pinellas County Schools Nov. 14-18https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/10/13/musical-instrument-drive-for-pinellas-county-schools-nov-14-18/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/10/13/musical-instrument-drive-for-pinellas-county-schools-nov-14-18/#respondThu, 13 Oct 2016 18:51:03 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7741]]>St. Petersburg College is partnering with the Gasparilla Music Foundation to support music and education through the community outreach program, Recycled Tunes. Gently used instruments can be donated from Nov. 14-18 at SPC locations. The instruments will be refurbished by Recycled Tunes and then donated to Pinellas County Schools’ music programs.

The first 40 donors will receive a special music lover’s gift bag. All donors will receive:

A two-day ticket to the 2017 Gasparilla Music Festival

A ticket to the SPC’s MIRA (Music Industry Recording Arts) Fall Showcase at the Palladium Theater on Nov. 28

For more information, contact Rosaria Pipitone at 727-314-4722 or visit here.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/10/13/musical-instrument-drive-for-pinellas-county-schools-nov-14-18/feed/0newsspcgmfslider-1St. Petersburg College ranked #1 among Florida online collegeshttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/10/05/st-petersburg-college-ranked-1-among-florida-online-colleges/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/10/05/st-petersburg-college-ranked-1-among-florida-online-colleges/#respondWed, 05 Oct 2016 17:10:09 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7732]]>Online Colleges ranked St. Petersburg College number one out of 112 Florida peer institutions for Best Online College. The college received a 99.61 overall rating. Each year, more than 20,000 students take classes through SPC’s award-winning eCampus online learning program. More than 650 online courses and dozens of degrees can be taken completely online.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/10/05/st-petersburg-college-ranked-1-among-florida-online-colleges/feed/0newsspcNaturalization Ceremony at Clearwater Campushttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/naturalization-ceremony-at-clearwater-campus/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/naturalization-ceremony-at-clearwater-campus/#respondWed, 21 Sep 2016 20:11:18 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7725]]>The United States Constitution was signed on Sept. 17, 1787, and so The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) honors Sept. 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day as part of Constitution Week.

From Sept. 12-24, 2016, more than 38,000 new citizens participated in 240 naturalization ceremonies across the nation, and at St. Petersburg College’s Clearwater Campus, 122 new American citizens took the oath of allegiance at their Naturalization Ceremony on Friday, Sept. 16.

The Hon. Elizabeth A. Kovachevich, United States District Judge of the Middle District of Florida, led the new American Citizens, representing 32 countries, through their Oath as family and friends proudly witnessed.

SPC student Pa Yang gave an emotional opening address, speaking about her family traveling from Laos to make the U.S. their new home.

“I know you’ve worked hard and accomplished so much to be here today,” said Yang. “I’m proud of all of you who are in front me today. I congratulate you all on behalf of St. Petersburg College and to you I say, ‘Welcome home!’”

Brittany Anchor, President of the Student Veterans Association at the Clearwater Campus, led the Pledge of Allegiance and described the ceremony as a beautiful thing to witness.

“I work directly with veterans who fought for our freedom and understand the value of our liberties,” said Anchor. “I get to witness people who also had to go through a life-changing process and now can enjoy the same liberties we value. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Music Education student Kodey Beard sang the national anthem and “God Bless America”.

“I never thought I would witness this day, but I’m really glad I had the opportunity,” said Beard.

Following the ceremony, Donald Jarrell, Community Relations Officer for the United States Citizenship Immigration Services, held an information session in the ES building about the process of becoming a United States Citizen.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/naturalization-ceremony-at-clearwater-campus/feed/0newsspcimg_0395-x2img_0307-x2A substantial amount of scholarship funding received by St. Petersburg College Foundationhttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/a-substantial-amount-of-scholarship-funding-received-by-st-petersburg-college-foundation/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/a-substantial-amount-of-scholarship-funding-received-by-st-petersburg-college-foundation/#respondWed, 21 Sep 2016 14:08:03 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7717]]>St. Petersburg College Foundation received $46,332 in scholarship funds from the Florida College System Foundation (FCSF). The funding presentation took place at the Board of Trustees’ meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 20. FCSF awarded more than $893,000 in scholarship funds to Florida’s 28 colleges throughout the state. The scholarships are aimed at relieving the nursing shortage and helping students who are the first in their family to attend college.

SPC Foundation scholarships include:

Nursing and Allied Health scholarships:

$15,524 from Florida Blue

First Generation scholarships:

$25,680 from Helios Education Foundation

$5,128 from Bank of America

SPC student and Helios Education scholarship recipient Yadira Aguilar Rivera received $1,500 as a first-generation college student. She’s a sophomore working toward an Associate in Arts degree in General Education. She hopes to complete a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.

“I had to work two jobs in order to pay for college because of my immigration status,” said Rivera. “This scholarship enables me to focus on what’s important for my education. It allows me to be one step closer to my goal without financial uncertainty.”

With more than 60 percent of SPC students relying on tuition assistance, the Foundation’s scholarships are increasingly important in helping these students achieve their academic and career goals.

The SPC Foundation is accepting applications for scholarships until Sept. 28 for the Spring 2017 term. All materials, including application and letter of recommendation, must be submitted by 5 p.m. Sept. 28 to be eligible for Spring 2017 consideration. Applications for 2016-2017 Study Abroad Scholarships will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Nov. 1.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/a-substantial-amount-of-scholarship-funding-received-by-st-petersburg-college-foundation/feed/0newsspcimg_0446-lPolitical Eyes on District 13 Debate in St. Petersburghttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/09/09/political-eyes-on-district-13-debate-in-st-petersburg/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/09/09/political-eyes-on-district-13-debate-in-st-petersburg/#respondFri, 09 Sep 2016 17:58:58 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7713]]>St. Petersburg College is hosting one of the most widely-watched events of the political season on Monday, Sept. 19: a debate by candidates for U.S. House District 13. The debate will be staged at the Palladium Theater, 253 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, and is co-sponsored by SPC’s Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions, the Tampa Bay Times and WTSP 10News. WTSP will broadcast the debate live from 7 to 8 p.m.

Political observers in Florida and around the nation are closely watching the campaign in District 13, which covers central and south Pinellas County. That’s because it is one of 15 House seats targeted by the Democratic Party nationally to gain control of Congress, and it features two well-known local candidates with a record for reaching across the aisle to seek consensus. They are former Gov. Charlie Crist, a Democrat, and the incumbent, U.S. Rep. David Jolly, a Republican.

Long held by Republicans, District 13 became a more competitive district after being redrawn by court order in 2015. It is considered a swing district in the battle over control of Congress in this election. Rep. Jolly was elected in 2014 following the death of U.S. Rep. C. W. Bill Young, who held the seat for almost four decades and was a widely respected centrist.

Rep. Jolly has to an extent followed Young’s example, voting against his party’s majority on several key policy issues in his first term and speaking out against Congress’ focus on fund-raising at the expense of legitimate legislative work.

Former Gov. Crist spent most of his political career as a Republican, but switched to Independent for an unsuccessful run for the U.S. Senate in 2010 and to the Democratic Party in 2012.

The event is open to the public and admission is free, but tickets are required. Tickets are available at the Palladium box office, limit two per person, beginning at noon Wednesday, Aug. 31. For more information on the event, please visit the Institute’s website or call 727-394-6942. For questions regarding tickets, please contact the Palladium Box office at 727-822-3590.

SPC has a team of admissions, advising, and financial assistance staff members ready to assist ITT Tech students to enroll in classes as early as September 12 (SPC’s Express Term) or October 10 (one of SPC’s 8-week fall modules). SPC offers several programs aligned to ITT Tech programs, including Information Technology, Business, Health Sciences, Criminal Justice and Drafting and Design.

SPC staff can help answer questions about:

Transcript evaluation and credit transfers

Financial aid

Degrees and certifications

Academic programs, including any specific requirements

Veterans’ Services

Note: SPC is waiving its $40 application fee to students displaced by the ITT closure.

“We are prepared to assist ITT Technical Institute students who are looking to finish their degrees or certification programs,” said SPC President Bill Law. “This is an unfortunate situation that has affected thousands of students working to build a better future for themselves and their families through their pursuit of higher education, and we hope we can accommodate ITT Tech students in achieving those goals.”

St. Petersburg College offers regionally accredited college certificate programs, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees, as well as a number of workforce certification programs. Many industry-recognized certification programs may be completed in just a few months.

SPC, Florida’s oldest community college and the first in the state to offer four-year degrees, has 10 learning centers conveniently located throughout Pinellas County and offers many programs completely online. The college also offers students many free resources, including: advising by certified career and academic advisors, tutoring and homework help, job prep, internships, accessibility services, and much more.

For more information, students can contact SPC at (727) 341-4400 or information@spcollege.edu.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/09/08/st-petersburg-college-assisting-displaced-itt-technical-institute-students/feed/1newsspcspc_horz_rbspc-itt-tech-helpSPC hosts College Visit Day for high school students Oct. 19https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/31/spc-hosts-college-visit-day-for-high-school-students-oct-19/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/31/spc-hosts-college-visit-day-for-high-school-students-oct-19/#commentsWed, 31 Aug 2016 18:27:52 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7694]]>

Pinellas County high school students can take a day off from classes on Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to visit St. Petersburg College’s open house events. Open to high school juniors and seniors, these events count as an official college visit day. While events will vary slightly from campus to campus, students can:

Explore different majors – and the careers they lead to

Take a tour of our beautiful campuses

Learn about how to pay for college

Attend College 101 Seminars

Learn how to apply to SPC

Attend motivational seminars

Enjoy free refreshments

Ask for your official college visit letter to take back to your school as proof that you attended the event. Choose the campus nearest you:

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/31/spc-hosts-college-visit-day-for-high-school-students-oct-19/feed/8newsspcCollege Visit DaySt. Petersburg College welcomes two newly accredited degreeshttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/30/st-petersburg-college-welcomes-two-newly-accredited-degrees/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/30/st-petersburg-college-welcomes-two-newly-accredited-degrees/#respondTue, 30 Aug 2016 15:03:49 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7698]]>In response to local industry needs, St. Petersburg College announces two newly accredited associate in science degrees: Biotechnology Laboratory Technology and Biomedical Engineering Technology. The programs, which recently received Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) accreditation, began at the beginning of the Summer and Fall 2016 semester.

“The biotechnology program at St. Petersburg College was specifically tailored and designed from the very beginning so that students get the exact skills that employees want,” saidMichael Shamblott, a member of SPC’s Biotechnology Laboratory Technology Advisory Committee and associate professor at the University of South Florida’s College of Medicine. “I know that if I hire graduates of SPC’s program, they will be able to perform in a lab and help me be productive.”

The Biotechnology Laboratory Technology A.S. Degree prepares graduates to work as a biological technician, a job that paid $34,500 in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area as of May 2015, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs can be found in clinical research, the pharmaceutical industry or for biotechnology and biomanufacturing firms.

Program Director Kathy Siegler says students are ready for the technical requirements of laboratory jobs because they get hands-on skills.

“They will be very well prepared to jump right into a biotechnology laboratory and be a productive employee,” Siegler said. “They will be better prepared to work in a biotechnology laboratory than a student with a four-year science degree.”

The Biomedical Engineering Technology A.S. Degree prepares graduates to work as a medical equipment repairer, a job with a median salary in the Tampa MSA of $40,560, as of May 2015, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Graduates can find job opportunities at health care facilities, companies that manufacture, install, manage and service medical equipment and public health and government agencies.

Program Director Lara Sharp said that the training biomedical students receive in the program is a direct reflection of what they will see in a job, and the jobs are good.

“Biomedical Engineering Technology is an opportunity to enter a growing field with good pay that allows a student to work with technology that can make a person’s life better,” Sharp said.

“For someone who is interested in working in a medical device field, I would definitely recommend St. Petersburg College because their program is very applicable to what you’re actually going to do in the industry,” said James Moore, Director of Operations at CardioCommand, a certified medical device manufacturer based in Tampa. “Nationwide, there is a skills gap in regards to technical skills. The programs that St. Petersburg College have put in place are right on target with regards to what we need for biomedical technicians.”

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/30/st-petersburg-college-welcomes-two-newly-accredited-degrees/feed/0newsspc6-29-10_096-XLWOW: 35 years strong and growing!https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/26/wow-35-years-strong-and-growing/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/26/wow-35-years-strong-and-growing/#commentsFri, 26 Aug 2016 18:33:42 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7686]]>Since the Summer of 2015, the Women on the Way (WOW) program has hit the ground running by opening three new centers. They are now celebrating 35 years of service since 1981.

On Monday, Aug. 22 at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus, faculty, staff and students attended the WOW Center’s grand opening.

“It is such a needed program on this campus,” said St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus Provost Jamelle Conner. “I know it will make an impactful difference for our students.”

Over the summer, WOW opened a new location at the Seminole Campus in the University Partnership Center, with Pepper Harth as an Advisor. Prior to that, in August of 2015, the Cecil B. Keene, Sr. Student Achievement Center welcomed the program and Nikishea Wright-Richardson took the role of Advisor. Next, the Tarpon Spring Campuses will host the program starting in Spring of 2017.

“I am very excited about the growth of the program, and the tremendous support we receive from the college and the community,” said WOW Coordinator Shirley Crumbley. “This year we not only celebrate 35 years, but the expansion to other campuses.”

St. Petersburg College launched its Women on the Way (WOW) program in 1981 as a resource and support center for women who were entering college in larger numbers than ever before in the history of the United States. The goal was to provide women – many of them the first in their families to attend college – with the skills and resources to be successful in an academic setting.

The effort was spearheaded by Dr. Vilma Zalupski, the college’s first female Provost (Clearwater Campus), Bobbie Hinson, Career Center Director, and Maria Edmonds, a psychology instructor who later became an Associate Provost. Edmonds was WOW’s first coordinator.

Services provided by WOW include scholarship assistance, workshops and seminars on topics such as time management, parenting, and success strategies, a Textbook Lending Library, and access to additional resources and referral information for social services.

Today, more than 300 women college-wide participate in WOW programs.

“I am very proud of the students in our program, and I get to see first-hand lives being transformed. WOW!” said Crumbley.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/26/wow-35-years-strong-and-growing/feed/1newsspcCapture-5-300x189SE-Open-House-169x300WOW-doors-and-sign3-1-300x256Pinellas Comic and Maker Con hosted by Seminole Community Library at St. Petersburg Collegehttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/23/pinellas-comic-and-maker-con-hosted-by-seminole-community-library-at-st-petersburg-college/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/23/pinellas-comic-and-maker-con-hosted-by-seminole-community-library-at-st-petersburg-college/#commentsTue, 23 Aug 2016 16:00:20 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7675]]>The Seminole Community Library at St. Petersburg College invites you to attend the third annual Pinellas Comic and Maker Con (PCMCon). It is the biggest comic convention in Florida’s most densely populated county and is for fans of comic books, gaming, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, costuming and maker culture. More than 4,000 people attended last year’s PCMCon convention. Event details include:

There will be exciting activities for people of all ages including costume contests, video and board gaming tournaments, and appearances by the Star Wars 501st Legion, the Real Tampa Bay Ghostbusters, and many others.

This convention has proven especially attractive to Pinellas residents who may not be able to attend other fan cons because of the distance or cost. Young adults, children and older fans alike will find something to enjoy. All events are free.

Dozens of local businesses and organizations will have booths to sell fan collectibles, promote upcoming events and share services and resources.

Attendees can expect:

costume contests

food trucks

live entertainment

a haunted nature trail

expert presentations on a variety of topics

movies

crafting and maker culture

displays themed around superheroes

sci-fi

anime

emerging technologies

gaming

collectible toys.

Science and technology geeks will get a look at the library’s new Innovation Lab that includes a 3-D printer built locally by FreeFab3D, robots, Arduino and Raspberry Pi kits, virtual reality headsets, littleBits Synth Kit, a DIY hologram viewer and more that the public can explore throughout the day. Other exhibitors specializing in “all things maker” will be on hand as well.

Best-selling author and op-ed columnist David Brooks will be speaking at the Second Annual St. Petersburg College Foundation Distinguished Speaker Event at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at The Palladium Theater, 253 5th Ave. N. St. Petersburg.

As a widely acclaimed political and social analyst, David Brooks is a keen observer of the American way of life and a savvy commentator on present-day politics and foreign affairs. He has a gift for bringing audiences face-to-face with the spirit of our times with humor, insight and quiet passion.

“We are very pleased to host Mr. Brooks at our second annual distinguished speaker event,” said SPC VP of Institutional Advancement Frances Neu. “Proceeds from the event will support student scholarships at SPC,” she said. “With more than 60 percent of our students relying on tuition assistance, attending this event is a particularly good investment – it’s the chance to hear one of the nation’s top commentators while helping to support the education of hard-working students. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

Brooks holds several prestigious positions including op-ed columnist for The New York Times and analyst on the PBS NewsHour and NPR’s All Things Considered. Additionally, he appears regularly on NBC’s Meet the Press. His latest best-seller, The Road to Character, tells the story of ten great lives that illustrate how character is developed. In a society that emphasizes success and external achievement, The Road to Character is a book about inner worth.

Event tickets are $65 for orchestra seating and $55 for balcony seating. Tickets available at www.mypalladium.org or by calling the Palladium box office at 727-822-3590. For more information contact the SPC Foundation at 727-341-3302 or email foundation@spcollege.edu.

Collaborative Labs’ Executive Director Andrea Henning said, “We are thrilled to partner with such a strength-based organization like Empower Adventures Tampa Bay. We’ve spent the past decade designing and executing strategic-planning sessions for hundreds of unique organizations using our accelerated process and technology to accomplish in hours, what takes weeks or months using traditional methodologies. Gone are the days of the uber expensive strategic planning getaways for only the wealthiest companies; we provide affordable and customized solutions, and with EATB by our side, we are going to change the landscape together.”

According to Henning, Monday’s group from Habitat for Humanity Pinellas will build a Team Success Plan for the year at Collaborative Labs in the morning, and then they will reinforce the team experience and trust at Empower Adventures Tampa Bay in Oldsmar in the afternoon. The full day experience will result in increased team accountability and trust, as the Habitat for Humanity Pinellas’ Team takes action on implementing their success plan for the next year.

EATB Founder and former Army Airborne Ranger Captain Joe DeRing said, “We have been searching the Bay Area for the right partner and feel that Collaborative Labs really fits the bill and connects our sense of adventure and empowerment. Our big differentiator is that we are not a theme park with thousands of visitors each day. Our location on the Mobbly Bayou Preserve inOldsmar is an ideal venue for the perfect eco-friendly team-building experience; and our leadership model is based on my years of survival training and individual empowerment.”

“Together, Collaborative Labs and Empower Adventures Tampa Bay will offer a high-engagement/high-impact program for any size business or organization wanting to tackle strategic planning and team building at the same time. Team consensus building and bonding opportunities happen in an informal setting around some pretty formal and important issues,” Henning added.

For more information on Collaborative Labs, please visit their website at www.collaborativelabs.com or call 727-341-3154. For more information on Empower Adventures Tampa Bay, please visit www.zipontampabay.com or call 813-448-5635.

About Collaborative Labs
Collaborative Labs facilitates organizational problem solving for companies and organizations ranging from a few people to large teams. Their unique approach incorporates interactive technology, strength-based techniques and real-time documentation to develop an actionable plan that produces tangible results. They carefully analyze each client’s needs and goals, and then synthesize their findings into a custom solution that ensures consensus, team building and accountability.

About Empower Adventures Tampa Bay
EATB’s mission is to empower teams and individuals to seek their highest potential. We achieve this mission by delivering powerful adventure experiences in beautiful settings that take people outside of their normal comfort zone. The course features five zip-lines and a 200-foot rope suspension bridge traversing the natural beauty of Oldsmar’s Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve, near Bicentennial Park in the northwest Tampa suburb. Zip-liners begin the course by ascending a 60-foot tower, making it a great way to take in some amazing scenery – and perhaps conquer one’s fear of heights in the process.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/18/collaborative-labs-and-empower-adventures-tampa-bay-launch-team-building-program-with-habitat-for-humanity/feed/0newsspcCL_Horizontal_LargesmalloogoAll Access Pass: A name change and departmental overhaul mark the revitalization of Accessibility Serviceshttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/18/all-access-pass-a-name-change-and-departmental-overhaul-mark-the-revitalization-of-accessibility-services/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/18/all-access-pass-a-name-change-and-departmental-overhaul-mark-the-revitalization-of-accessibility-services/#respondThu, 18 Aug 2016 20:17:36 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7642]]>When Aimee Stubbs started working at SPC’s Disability Resources at the Clearwater Campus in 2006, there were 110 students actively working with the department.

Now there are 450 on that campus alone, and around 2,000 college-wide. In January 2015, when Stubbs began her current position as director, she saw an opportunity to expand the existing program to provide all different types of learners with technology, support and accommodations. That meant not only a name change, but also a complete revitalization of the department.

Students say the tools and resources provided by the department are helping them be successful in their classes.

“Everyone from the department has been very nice and helpful. They set me up with captioning for my classes, extra time for exams, a formula sheet for my math tests and many apps to use for organization,” said student Joey Weatherford. “They are the people to go to if you ever need help with anything.”

New Name – New Game

The change from Disability Resources to Accessibility Services was made in hopes of encouraging students who may not consider themselves as having a disability to investigate how they might use services such as assistive technology and accommodations.

“We want to make everyone aware that our department’s mission is to provide access,” Stubbs said. “Not just physical, but also educational access for all learners. So we revisited our mission to make sure everything we did had the purpose of access.” A Seamless Experience The program’s success has been bolstered by getting all faculty and staff on board. Stubbs said that there is truly no aspect of St. Petersburg College that Accessibility Services doesn’t deal with.

“Whether it be facilities, furniture, instructional design, faculty and staff, security, online services, web compliance, testing – this is an institutional approach. We’re all working together to support our students,” she said.

The department believes the use of Accessible Information Management (AIM) Software will make it easier for faculty and staff by automating accommodations, paperwork, notes and providing them access to student records all in one place. “This will reduce barriers to case management for students,” Stubbs said.

Access to Resources

There are several applications available to address the differing needs of students, including those with dyslexia, auditory processing issues or time management challenges. Stubbs hopes that students will feel empowered by technology and that the use of it will help them become as autonomous as possible in their learning.

Assistive Technology Specialist Regina Miller recommends apps that would be helpful for students’ differing needs and offers instruction on how to use them.

“Before the explosion of technology in general, students usually depended on others for support with writing, reading, or typing,” Miller said. “Today, assistive technology supports all of those things. It’s a communication gateway between peers and faculty and other areas of support that a student may seek.”

Mallory Michael recently earned her bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies. She said she was blown away by the number of helpful apps available.

“Accessibility Services was great about telling me what I needed. They offered me Dragon Dictate, which I’d never heard of before,” Michael said. “You speak into it, and it types for you. I eventually started using my keyboard, but I know a lot of less-functioning people who rely on it.”

A Network of Support

Community partnerships are important to learning institutions, and Accessibility Services is currently partnered with more than 30 local agencies that can provide the resources students may need to succeed in class. Workshops are offered that address topics like time management, study skills, test anxiety and helpful apps.

Students attest that Accessibility Services’ multi-angle approach is truly helpful. Betsie Hughes earned her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Education this spring, and she credits the department for helping her with seating, testing and other accommodations that she needed to navigate a college campus.

“I always feel like they’re a support team for me. It’s hard enough being a college student and studying, and if you don’t get a level playing field that other students have, that makes it more stressful,” Hughes said. “But it really helped to know someone had my back.”

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/18/all-access-pass-a-name-change-and-departmental-overhaul-mark-the-revitalization-of-accessibility-services/feed/0newsspc144A8090-X3144A8155-X3144A8147-X3Finding Common Ground: Academic and Career Advising for the 21st Centuryhttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/17/finding-common-ground-academic-and-career-advising-for-the-21st-century/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/17/finding-common-ground-academic-and-career-advising-for-the-21st-century/#respondWed, 17 Aug 2016 20:31:34 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7634]]>St. Petersburg College’s new state-of-the art Career and Academic advising center reflects its reinvigorated advising model and provides a space for enhanced student engagement. Normally, an advising center is a buzz of activity during the weeks leading up to the start of the term. Then? Empty hallways, lineless queues and deserted student work stations for months on end.

Not anymore. This school year, St. Petersburg College opened its first redesigned Career and Academic Advising Center at its Tarpon Springs Campus. The reimagined center evokes the idea of a popular coffee café or community gathering spot, where students and staff collaborate in comfy seating areas surrounded by the latest technology.

“It’s like the Apple genius bar meets Starbucks,” said Dr. Marvin Bright, Provost of the Tarpon Springs Campus. “There’s a lot of movement and engagement with students in the space, which promotes the movement and flow within the entire building. This is not a space where students are sitting in an office waiting to be helped.”

The Career and Advising Center is a place where students, faculty, staff and community members work in a collaborative environment to create rich and ongoing learning, co-working, and teaching experiences. The center fosters student success, vital campus partnerships, and encourages individuals to become members of an intellectually diverse, active learning community. It is a reflection of the college’s new career and academic advising model, which places an emphasis on the alignment between a student’s academic area of study and their career aspirations.

Reaching Millennials – and their parents – where they live

SPC has as many students in the traditional college age bracket (approximately 30%) as those over the age of 35. Clearly, the generational experiences with technology are very different. Yet, at least two-thirds of Americans – crossing generational spans – own smart phones and other digital devices.

Millennial social environments, including academic ones, are in close synergy with an abundant use of technology. Traditionally, earlier generations have criticized Millennials, or “Net-Gens”, for their connection to new-age communication, and perceive them as withdrawn from in-person interaction. On the contrary, research shows that Net-Gens prefer to engage in multitasking, socially diverse environments that allow for in-person connections along with the use of technology.

St. Petersburg College has embraced the challenge to bridge the generational gap and connect to its diverse population at the critical advising level.

“Our students are constantly adapting to the ever-changing nature of our digital world, and we have every intention of advancing our services and philosophies along with them. It would be a disservice otherwise,” said SPC President Bill Law.

“Our new advising model and our advising centers are bringing the college-to-career conversation to a higher level,” Law said.

The student-centered experience

Traditionally in higher education, the Prescriptive Theory of Advising has been used, focusing on students’ needs related to academics with minimal emphasis on the total individual development. This approach is authority-based guidance, which hinders authentic relationships. Often, students aren’t engaged during this critical process, which hinders growth in and beyond the classroom.

St. Petersburg College has abandoned the Prescriptive Theory of Advising and now offers an engaging and collaborative approach known as Developmental Advising. This approach focuses on working with students in defining where they want to go with their lives and careers and then giving them the information and the tools to get there. In essence, the Tarpon Springs Campus Career and Academic Advising Center embodies this method.

“We’ve turned advising upside down, in the sense that we’ve literally knocked down walls and barriers,” said Rod Davis, Tarpon Springs Campus Associate Provost. “Now we have a collaborative environment where students can build relationships.”

The previous center’s layout mimicked the design and environment of a doctor’s office or motor vehicle department – an outdated model to the growing millennial generation.

Now, advisors are no longer tethered to their desks. With technology at their fingertips, they can meet students where they are. Each advisor has multifunctional two-in-one laptops that allow them to host group or one-on-one advising sessions. In addition, more than 35 computers are available to students for independent class registration and for faculty to host classroom lectures. As technology continues to evolve, the center has the ability to expand to offer additional features.

The state-of-the-art technology embedded throughout the center welcomes students. Immediately front and center, the Jumbo-Tron flashes high-resolution images and video that captivates students and invites them to make connections. The concierge center overlooks a comfortable, open floor plan that is socially inviting and empowers confidence for key stakeholders to make an impactful change to their educational future.

Making Career Connections

The Career and Transfer Hub is an extension of services offered by the Tarpon Springs Career and Advising Center. There, advisors and support staff offer career counseling to students, starting with the end goal in mind.

For example, students prepare for the workforce by making resumes with the center’s software, learning the technology needed to conduct a Skype interview and attending network fairs that are offered weekly.

“Every conversation we have with students includes a career conversation,” said Student Services Manager Terri Kontodiakos. “It is vital to student success and keeps students motivated, knowing they are working towards a larger goal.

Advising: A critical component of SPC’s award-winning College Experience initiative

The Tarpon Springs Campus Career and Advising Center supports SPC’s College Experience initiative, which is designed to help students “start smart and finish strong.” In 2014, the college was named a winner of the Chancellor’s Best Practice Award for these efforts.

This initiative ignites students’ drive and motivation through five areas deemed critical to advancing student success:

• Expanded out-of-class support

• A personalized tool called “My Learning Plan”

• New student “Smart Start” orientation

• Early alerts and student coaching

• Integrated career and academic advising

Through the new developmental advising approach, students identify, clarify and realize their personal, academic, career and life goals. The purpose is to give students the tools, resources and support they need to be successful.

“There is no doubt these proactive support systems and resources are making a difference in the lives of our students,” SPC President Law said. “The successes we are seeing inspire us to retain our collective, laserlike focus on student achievement.”

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/17/finding-common-ground-academic-and-career-advising-for-the-21st-century/feed/0newsspci-GCBrrVj-X3i-NL8bCXg-X3i-5p5nLrc-X3SPC hosts ‘The Art of Politics: The Art of the Possible’https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/16/the-art-of-politics-the-art-of-the-possible-hosted-by-st-petersburg-college-center-for-civic-learning-and-community-engagement-cclce/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/16/the-art-of-politics-the-art-of-the-possible-hosted-by-st-petersburg-college-center-for-civic-learning-and-community-engagement-cclce/#respondTue, 16 Aug 2016 19:01:07 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7619]]>St. Petersburg College’s Center for Civic Learning and Community Engagement (CCLCE) Fall 2016 event series is entitled “The Art of Politics: The Art of the Possible.” This series is tied together by the diverse threads of civic thought and expression often represented through art, be it politically motivated or meaningful civic dialogue. CCLCE is committed to providing a variety of opportunities to build civic pathways between SPC and our community. The fall series includes:

Propaganda, Protest and Satire

17-Nov. 16

SPC Downtown, 244 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg

SPC Allstate Center, 3200 34th St. S., St. Petersburg

This art show will display aspects of political and civic thought including patriotism, community involvement, dissonance and propaganda. Artists are encouraged to interpret the art of politics to include issues of social justice, the community, and the individual’s place within.

Civic Public Mural Art

September-October

SPC Seminole, 9200 113 St. N

SPC St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, 6605 Fifth Ave. N.

SPC Downtown Campus, 244 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg

Large, highly visible mural pieces on display at these campuses will depict social justice and address student success in a variety of themes.

The Art of Civic Dialogue: A Workshop

14 and Oct. 21 at University of South Florida St. Petersburg, 140 Seventh Ave S.

Oct. 27 at St. Petersburg City Hall steps, 175 5th St N.

Art is a powerful medium of political expression. Students will explore the role art plays in positive civic dialogue and produce pieces to share with the mayor and the community at large.

A Silent Message in a Tweeting World

Nov. 1

Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg

This panel discussion, led by St. Petersburg author and community development consultant Peter Kageyama, will address the issues of political art in all its forms, including the role art plays in the 2016 political arena.

Food for Thought & Music for your Soul

Oct. 6 and Nov. 14-22 at various SPC Campuses

This event, which includes a food drive as well as a drive to collect used musical instruments, empowers SPC’s Music Industry Recording Arts students to enrich the community by giving the gift of music and food to financially challenged Pinellas County Schools students. For information on how to donate, contact Rosaria Pipitone at (727) 341- 4722.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/16/the-art-of-politics-the-art-of-the-possible-hosted-by-st-petersburg-college-center-for-civic-learning-and-community-engagement-cclce/feed/0newsspcThe art of politics2016 Program Showcase and Career Expo hosted by St. Petersburg College’s Workforce Institutehttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/05/2016-program-showcase-and-career-expo-hosted-by-st-petersburg-colleges-workforce-institute/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/05/2016-program-showcase-and-career-expo-hosted-by-st-petersburg-colleges-workforce-institute/#respondFri, 05 Aug 2016 14:28:52 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7582]]>St. Petersburg College’s Workforce Institute will host the 2016 Program Showcase and Career Expo on:

Participants can talk to faculty and staff about training and certification programs in manufacturing, information and innovative technologies, business and finance, healthcare, supply chain and international languages.

Additionally, participants can attend breakout sessions and mini courses to learn about funding resources to further their education and career.

This informative showcase is open to students, community partners, association members and the general public.

The Dr. Johnnie Ruth Clarke Scholarship, named in honor of the groundbreaking Florida educator, was awarded to 50 students at a ceremony at SPC’s St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus. Recipients heard from Student Government Association President and SPC alumna Jovan Jocelyn and Dr. Johnnie Ruth Clarke scholar Alliyah Edwards, who urged students to get involved on campus. This year’s winners were congratulated by SPC President Bill Law, Senior Vice President Tonjua Williams and Vice President, Administrative/ Business Services & Information Technology, Brian Miles. The scholarship provides an opportunity for disadvantaged or underrepresented students to attend SPC, covering up to 12 credits per term for two consecutive years.

Dr. Clarke grew up during segregation. Inspired by her teachers, she went on to become the first the first African-American to receive a doctorate from the University of Florida’s College of Education. She served in the public school system, as dean at Gibbs Junior College, and assistant dean of academic affairs at St. Petersburg Junior College during the 1960s. Learn more about the Dr. Johnnie Ruth Clarke Scholarship here.

College officials and community leaders welcome Presidential scholars

St. Petersburg College’s Presidential Scholarship was awarded to 46 students at Clearwater Campus on July 19. The ceremony was emceed by campus Provost Stan Vittetoe and featured college President Bill Law, Senior Vice President Dr. Tonjua Williams, alumna and Presidential Scholar Erica Wells, Honors Program Director Earl Fratus, and Midtown Associate Provost Tyrone Clinton.

The evening’s speakers stressed that engagement in campus life was an important part of a academic success at SPC and career success later on. Students received a certificate and a handshake from Dr. Law as they crossed the stage. A reception followed the presentation of awards. Students had an opportunity to learn about SPC and meet with representatives of the college.

What’s really on your plate at the fancy restaurant you’ve chosen to celebrate that special occasion? Was the grouper entrée truly locally-sourced? Is it really grouper, and is it truly fresh? How about the label on that cereal box in the grocery store? Is it actually gluten-free? Is it truly non-GMO?

The complex and confusing issue of food labeling will be the focus of a public forum presented by St. Petersburg College’s Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions on Wednesday, Aug. 31. Titled What’s on Your Plate? Food Labeling, from Seed to Fork, the forum will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at SPC’s Seminole campus, 9200 113th St. N. The forum is co-sponsored by Nature’s Food Patch, the Tampa Bay Times and WEDU Television.

Regular readers of the Tampa Bay Times know that the answers to the questions listed above may not necessarily be “yes,” despite what the menu or package labels say. In a provocative series titled Fork to Fable, Times’ food critic Laura Reiley exposed shocking disparities between what restaurants and farmers’ markets label their food items and the reality of where they came from and how they were produced. Reiley will lead a wide-ranging discussion of food labeling practices at the forum.

She will be joined by Katherine Miller, founding Executive Director of the Chef Action Network and Senior Director of Food Policy Advocacy at the James Beard Foundation; Robert Baugh, Chief Operating Officer of the Chiles Restaurant Group in Anna Maria, Fla.; and Ben King, owner/manager of King Family Farm in Bradenton, Fla. The moderator will be Dr. Amanda Gilleland, Academic Chair of the Department of Natural Science at St. Petersburg College.

With health-conscious consumers paying more attention to food additives, calories, nutritional value and sourcing, reading food labels has become an important part of the dining and grocery-shopping experience. But this attention to the content and quality of food comes at a time when the labels are increasingly being called into question. Reiley exposed widespread mislabeling by Tampa Bay-area restaurants and outdoor markets.

Consumer advocates also have written extensively about the veracity of labels on processed foods, asserting that labelling standards are so flexible and enforcement so lax that misrepresentation is a common practice of food processors.

St. Petersburg College is one of only eight colleges recently awarded the title of “Outstanding College” for achieving an eighty-five percent completion rate on workforce training network Global Corporate College’s Standards of Good Practice Report Card.

SPC is one of the leading colleges in the Global Corporate College network. The announcement was made in July at the Global Corporate College Conference in Arizona.

In 2015, the college entered into an agreement to join GCC, a higher education network that helps corporations train their workforce to meet today’s needs. It currently is the largest human capital development network in the world. SPC is one of 44 colleges within this network that is committed to helping employers realize the full potential of their workforce. This unique collaboration provides the college with an unprecedented access to highly qualified subject matter experts and innovative curriculum in a wide array of training areas.

GCC provides the highest quality training and performance improvement support to employers worldwide. Founded by leaders of entrepreneurial colleges and universities, their unique organization leverages the best learning industry practices with the resources of accredited academic institutions. The network’s goal is to work in partnership with clients to provide learning support services that build a high performance workforce and enable employees at every level to contribute to their organization’s success.

Corporate training for your company

At the St. Petersburg College Workforce Institute, we proudly prepare innovative and customized training for individuals and organizations. Our training programs and certifications can range anywhere from providing leadership skills to earning Microsoft and project management certifications to training your staff how to be prepared in emergency situations such as a hurricane or active shooter situation.

We will help you assess any skills gaps, then work with you to provide customized training programs from our portfolio of services to address your most critical needs in improving your most valuable resource – your staff. We offer a variety of delivery options to help minimize impact to your workflow. Your team can use our industry standard training sites or, if time or travel are an issue, we’ll come to you.

For more information, call us at 727-341-4445.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/08/02/workforce-training-network-honors-spc-as-outstanding-college/feed/0newsspcSPC-Outstanding-College-Global-Corporate-CollegeCelebrating one year of community partnershiphttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/07/28/celebrating-one-year-of-community-partnership/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2016/07/28/celebrating-one-year-of-community-partnership/#respondThu, 28 Jul 2016 14:31:49 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=7531]]>Since the announcement of the creation of St. Petersburg College’s state-of-the-art Midtown Center, some Midtown citizens expressed concerns about the college’s agenda for the previously abandoned property. But their fears were unfounded, said Dr. Kevin Gordon, Provost of the Douglas L. Jamerson, Jr. Midtown Center.

“Our only agenda is community partnership and providing high-quality educational opportunities to our local community,” Gordon said.

“All hands on deck”

Since the grand opening one year ago, more than 30 civic organizations, have collaborated with the college to impact St. Petersburg’s historical “Deuces” community, confirming Gordon’s belief that the Midtown Center serves as a community connector.

The Midtown Center has expanded the vision of St. Petersburg College’s Educational Ecosystem, a collaboration of Pinellas County educators who help elementary, middle and high school students successfully transition through grade levels and to inspire them to think about college at an early age. SPC’s students, faculty and staff mentored students at Melrose Elementary in hopes of providing a positive connection within the community.

Making a difference in the “Deuces” community has become a shared adventure among SPC and community leaders to revitalize the minds and well-being of the people.

“Our connections to the community is our way of reaching families to provide more than just an education,” said SPC Community Relations Coordinator La’Kesha O’Neal. “The partnerships we’ve established are a shared responsibility to mentor, collaborate and educate the community.”

According to Chuck Egerter, President of Deuces Live Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes revitalization to the 22nd Street South district, St. Petersburg College has already jumped in as a strong community partner.

“St. Petersburg College has been a partner of the Deuces Live Main Street since our organization relaunched in December 2011,” Egerter said. “Deuces business owners have been invited by the college as featured speakers, and SPC routinely allows the use of its’ facilities for workshops hosted by other community organizations.”

Faith-based community leader, Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, provides outreach services targeted to single mother’s at Midtown every second Tuesday of the month.

“It has been our desire to be centrally located in Midtown in efforts to meet with and provide services to the single mothers population,” said Outreach Leader Jewel Murphy. “St. Pete College allows the ministry to utilize the Midtown Center’s Community Room to execute this endeavor. The ministry participants appreciate the location and the warm reception that we receive upon our entry there.”

“Transforming property to new economic opportunities”

The original 10,000-square-foot Midtown Center at 1048 22nd St. S., opened in 2003 as part of a $2 million St. Petersburg Housing Authority’s HOPE VI project.

In 2012, as demand for classes and community involvement grew, SPC’s Board of Trustees approved a $14 million expenditure to build the new three-story building on land leased from the City of St. Petersburg. The new center includes multiple classrooms, two science labs, three computer labs, a book store, a community room and a career center.

Shortly after opening in August 2015, St. Petersburg College received the 2015 EPA Brownfield Phoenix Award for being an innovative leader in solving critical environmental problems by transforming the abandoned property into a productive site for new economic and community opportunities and assets.

The new campus is named in honor of the late Douglas L. Jamerson, Jr., a longtime legislator and a Florida Commissioner of Education. Jamerson, a graduate of St. Petersburg College, was one of the most prominent politicians in the state of Florida and a fierce advocate for education.

“The first-year of operations at the Douglas L. Jamerson, Jr. Midtown Center has been filled with excitement,” said Dr. Gordon. “We have experienced a tremendous amount of community engagement and look forward to countless more opportunities to partner with our friends in Midtown.”